Bye, Banana: Brevard Zoo to release one-eyed sea turtle after 14 months of care

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A one-eyed green sea turtle named Banana will be released back into the ocean on Tuesday after 14 months of care at the Brevard Zoo’s Sea Turtle Healing Center.

Zoo officials said Banana was rescued on National Banana Day in March of last year in the Indian River Lagoon. They said the young turtle was extremely thin, and covered in organisms, including leeches and fibropapilomatosis tumors.

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Officials said a golf-ball-sized tumor was covering the turtle’s left eye and impeding their vision. That tumor, as well as many others on Banana’s body, were successfully removed, as well as one of the turtle’s eyes due to a blood clotting issue.

“Sea turtles can live a long, normal life with one eye, and this does not stop them from being releasable,” said Jess Patterson, Healing Center coordinator and veterinary nurse.

Read: Sea turtle nesting season could stall hurricane repairs along Volusia County coast

The zoo’s team had to nurse Banana back out of anemia after each surgery, a process that took months.

The Healing Center staff said they will remember Banana as a skeptical turtle. Staff said if Banana spotted a team member, they would keep their one good eye on them – even if they were enjoying enrichments.

Read: Brevard Zoo celebrates 200th sea turtle release

Banana will be released at 10:30 a.m. at Hightower Beach Park, 815 Highway A1A in Satellite Beach. In honor of Banana, attendees are asked to wear something yellow.

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Brevard Zoo celebrates 200th sea turtle release (Brevard Zoo)

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